Environment, Organics, Fair Trade & Recycling at Big Green Purse: Barbecue

Before you fire up the barbecue for your 4th of July picnic, take a minute to read Ten Reasons Why You Should Eat Less Meat. Then, instead of automatically serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, steak or chicken, get creative! Need some help? Try this recipe for a delicious veggie burger courtesy of the wonderful vegan cookbook, The Happy Herbivore, by Lindsay S. Nixon.

Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 c fresh cilantro, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste

Breadcrumbs (buy at store or make your own - toast whole-grain bread until dry, then pulse in food processor)

Whole-wheat hamburger buns

To do:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease grill pan, or cookie sheet if you prefer to use your oven.

* Pulse beans in food processor until mashed well, or mash manually using a potato masher or fork.

* Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in cilantro and spices, plus salt and pepper.

* Add breadcrumbs as necessary until the mixture can be handled and isn't terribly sticky, about 1/4 cup.

* If after 1/4 cup it's still too sticky and difficult to work with, refrigerate 5 to 10 minutes

* Shape mixture into three patties.

* Lightly spray each patty with cooking spray and grill or bake 7 minutes.

* Flip, re-spray,and bake 7-10 minutes more until crisp on the outside and thoroughly warm.

* Serve immediately on buns, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever other condiments you prefer.

Note: This recipe makes three burgers; double to make six.

(Photo courtesy of The Happy Herbivore Cookbook, p. 87)

Want to be Almost Meatless? These Cookbooks Can Help

Charcoal is Out. What's In - And Eco?

If you're still grilling with charcoal, I've only got one question for you: Why?

Most grills use either natural gas, propane, charcoal, or electricity. Of these options, charcoal emits more carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and soot than any of the others.

"Charcoal grills and lighter fluid also contribute more to ground-level ozone [smog]", says Ana Gomez, of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, not exactly the ambience you're looking for when you invite friends over for a cookout.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives?

• Go solar. A solar stove like the Global Sun Oven (pictured) cooks more slowly and won't get you the same grilled flavor. But it can't be beat for an environmentally-friendly, clean-cooking cookout, and you'll never buy charcoal or other cooking fuel again. Cook casseroles, veggies, tofu, and maybe a few marshmallows. You'll need direct sunlight for the time it takes to cook your food. Read the cooking directions that come with the oven for best results, then see what works best in your yard or on your porch or patio.

• Choose a gas grill over charcoal. If you already use natural gas to heat your home or power your appliances, you may be able to hook up a gas line directly to your grill. The convenience of not needing to refill propane tanks may outweigh the cost of the hook-up. Otherwise, choose propane, which also burns cleaner than charcoal. This website lists dozens of grill choices by brand. NOTE: Don't buy a larger appliance than you need or you'll end up wasting energy and money.) You can get small, portable propane grills to use at the beach, camping, or for tail-gate parties.

• Use lump charcoal instead of briquettes. Briquettes may contain coal dust and other additives. Look for hardwood briquettes from sustainably- managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program.

• Trade in your lighter fluid. These toxic petroleum distillates produce volatile organic compounds that create smog. No sense ruining your skewers or burgers with an air quality alert, is there? Instead...

• Try a chimney charcoal starter. Tuck crumpled newspaper into the bottom of the canister, load charcoal on top, and light with a match. You'll be able to pour hot coals onto the fire grate in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, use an electric starter. (Chimney charcoal starters are cheap! $10 - $15).

(You can find several of these products, along with other things you need for summer, at our store.)